Appiah motivated by new contract

Coach Kwasi Appiah has another reason to be motivated and focused on the huge responsibility of leading the Black Stars to success at next month’s World Cup, assured that his future with the team is guaranteed.

Appiah and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) last Thursday agreed to a contract extension which will see him remain in charge of the national team beyond the World Cup until July, 2016.

Both parties remained tight-lipped about the financial details as well as technical expectations of the new contract, but Appiah said he considered the new deal as a huge vote of confidence by his employers for his performance so far and felt motivated by the gesture.

A deeply satisfied Appiah told the Graphic Sports: "of course, I'm happy that I will still have a job after the contract expires. I also consider it that my employers are satisfied with my delivery so far, hence the decision to renew the deal."

The coach said he believed the GFA was also looking at building consistency in the Stars' technical team which informed the decision to renew their faith in him to achieve that objective.

"At least, this development shows that the FA has faith in me and the job I've done so far. That is the biggest motivation any employee needs from an employer," Appiah said.

GFA president, Kwesi Nyantakyi, also said the decision was taken in the best interest of the team and its future.

"Agreeing to the new deal even before the running contract expires is the strongest indication we have given about our belief in Coach Appiah beyond the World Cup

"He has so far demonstrated that he is the right man to take the Stars forward. We are looking at consistency and results going forward."

Appiah, a former captain of the national team and onetime assistant coach of the Stars, was appointed in April 2012 with a target to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and also qualify Ghana for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.